Linda Cardellini's Evolving Identity

Linda Cardellini has undoubtedly experienced a whirlwind of evolving identities through her illustrious career. Beyond her personal life as a 49-year-old mother raising a teenage daughter in California, Cardellini has captivated audiences with a diverse range of roles that seem to deepen as she ages. Among these, none is quite as polarizing—and beloved—as Judy from the Netflix hit series, *Dead to Me*, which aired from 2019 to 2022. “People stop me on the street, and they’re just so excited to see Judy,” she shares, capturing that infectious enthusiasm of her fans.

Fans of Cardellini may also recognize her as Velma from *Scooby-Doo*, or as Lindsay Weir, the misunderstood teen from the cult classic *Freaks and Geeks*. With a collection of memorable characters, her roles resonate so strongly that it’s not uncommon for fans to shout out their favorite names as she walks by.

A Day in New York

It’s a chilly December afternoon in New York as Cardellini chats at Cafe Luxembourg, her eyes wandering over the brunch menu, still coming to terms with her need for glasses. “I can’t seem to keep track of these,” she jokes, embodying her Velma persona even in daily life.

Pouring Heart into Every Role

Cardellini believes that the characters she embodies become a part of her. "I pour my heart into every role," she explains, especially when it comes to Judy—a character navigating complex emotions amid her erratic choices. “Judy isn’t just a murderer; she’s incredibly empathetic and selfless,” Cardellini continues. Yet, she feels a sense of relief in moving away from Judy, yearning for a chance to play a stronger, bolder character.

Introducing Margo in 'No Good Deed'

Enter Margo, the latest character in Netflix’s *No Good Deed*. Marking another collaboration with showrunner Liz Feldman, Margo is far removed from Judy's emotional turmoil. The high-stakes drama focuses on a community in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles embroiled in a fierce real estate war. With her designer wardrobe and fierce ambition, Margo is poised to steal the spotlight from the other contenders.

“I wanted to challenge myself with this role,” Cardellini shares, expressing how Margo's character evolves throughout the story. The role not only requires her to look the part but also to embody the complexity of a woman who masks her insecurities beneath a polished exterior. “It was quite a change from my usual earthy roles,” she notes, recalling funny anecdotes from playing the superficial character—like her pants being sewn on for takes!

Collaborative Spirit Shining Through

Cardellini’s collaborative spirit shines through in her work, particularly her camaraderie with Feldman and co-star Christina Applegate during the making of *Dead to Me*. This close connection fostered an environment where improvisation and trust flourished, critical components for a show that explored dark themes with humor.

Feldman cherishes her working relationship with Cardellini, having witnessed her remarkable range and natural kindness. Labeling her as one of the great character actresses, Feldman emphasizes that Linda’s presence on set transforms even long hours into joyful experiences.

Reflecting on Her Journey

Reflecting on her journey, Cardellini remembers the foundational moments of her career, which began with community theater and blossomed during her studies at Loyola Marymount University. “My goal was always simply to earn a living from what I love,” she remarks, noting the early skepticism from family regarding her path.

Despite an initially rocky start with *Freaks and Geeks*, which was canceled after its first season, the show found renewed life as a cult favorite on DVD and streaming platforms, emblemizing Cardellini's enduring impact.

Looking Ahead to New Projects

As she embarks on new projects—including the highly anticipated HBO limited series *DTF St. Louis*, co-starring with Jason Bateman and David Harbour—Cardellini remains a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. “Every character allows me to explore a new facet of myself,” she reflects.

Emotional Connections to Characters

Fans continue to embrace her past characters, and Cardellini finds joy in their fond memories, particularly when her daughter gets curious about her iconic roles. "Sometimes, I do miss those characters, as if they were friends," she admits wistfully, hinting at the emotional ties she forms with each new persona.

Linda Cardellini: TV's Killer Queen

With each step forward, Linda Cardellini not only proves her versatility but also solidifies her status as TV's reigning “Killer Queen,” redefining what it means to be a character actress in the modern entertainment landscape. Audiences await her next fierce performance while reflecting fondly on the complex characters she has brought to life.